The Christmas Child: [Chapter Four]

[Back to the Ranch]

So, what were you two discussing? Oh, nothing , Jamie. How do you like Medicine Bow, Lottie? Its nice, Josie. Boy, is it cold out here. You're right about that, Jamie. Let's get home and I'll make us all some hot chocolate. That sounds good, Josie. Does it get this cold in Texas, Jamie? , Judge Garth asked when they had got out in the open. Not usually, Judge. It gets cold a little bit, though. Have you ever been to Texas, Judge? Once, yes. Did you like it? I did. It was dusty, though. It is that. It's not like Wyoming, that's for sure. I like Wyoming. So do I, Jamie. How long have you live out here, Judge? Ever since my daughter Betsy was a baby. Annie and I came out here together. My grand-daughter is named after her. My grandmother's name was Annie, too. You never told me that, Jamie. I guess I did'nt, Judge. I'm glad you did. Did you get to know her, Jamie? A little, Josie. She lived with us when I was younger. She was wonderful. I miss her. What happened to her, Jamie? A year after Mama died, she did. Was she your grandmother on your mama's side or your daddy's? On my mama's side, Lottie. I never knew my grandma. She lived too far away for me to visit her. Its good to have family, is'nt it Uncle Henry? Yes, it is, Josie. Family is what's held Shiloh together for all these years. I did'nt tell this before Lottie, but I'm adopted too. You are, Josie? My real uncle, Frank Dawson, was my Uncle Henry's friend. And when my daddy died, Uncle Henry brought me to Shiloh. Lottie, dear? Yes, Judge? If no family can be found, Josie and I would like you to share our home. Would you like that? Yes, I would, Judge. Will the circuit judge allow it? I'm sure he would. Just you ask the Virginian. Who's he? He's our foreman, Lottie. He's really nice and you'll get to meet him when he comes back from the range. No matter how many times I see it, it's still as beautiful. And Shiloh can be your home too, Lottie. If you want it to be. I'll put the team away, Judge. Alright, Jamie. Can you help me with the bundles, Uncle Henry? Of course, Josie. Thank you, Jamie. Come, Lottie. Jamie, when you're done come up to the house. I'll have some hot chocolate going for all of us. Thanks, Josie, I will. When Jamie was out of sight Judge Garth thought of a question he needed to ask Lottie. Lottie, did your mother ever tell you what her mother's name was? Yes, my grandma's name was Annie. But I never got to see her. Just her picture. Thank you, Lottie. Lets go inside out of this cold wind. Where would you like these bundles, Lottie? In my room, please. Josie put me right next to her room. Alright, you go on in the kitchen with Josie. I'll take these upstairs. Where's Jamie, Josie? He's taking care of the horses, Lottie. [Knock-Knock!] I'll get it, Josie. Hi, Lottie. Hi, Jamie. Do come in out of the wind. Hello,again, Jamie. The hot chocolate's just about ready. It sure smells good, Josie. It definitely does on a cold day like this. Is it about ready, Josie? Almost, Uncle Henry. There, its ready now. The cups are right here. Be careful, its hot. Yours tastes exactly how Mama's did, Josie. I'm glad, Lottie. And before long, we'll be preparing for Christmas. You'll love it, Lottie. I'm sure I will, Josie. And this will be Jamie's first Christmas on Shiloh as well as mine. I can't wait, then. That's the spirit, Lottie. Christmas will be here before we know it.